I know we all LOVE “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, but let’s play another song about the hottest season.
“Summer Madness” by Kool & The Gang was released in 1974 off their 5th album, Light of the Worlds. Not only did it spawn a summer anthem from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air costars, the song’s roots also spread to other notable tracks. “You Know How We Do It,” one of my personal favorite Ice Cube songs, and “Kickin Back” by Mila J, one of my favorite persons, both took inspiration from The Gang to make their own summer jams. Let’s watch their live performance on Soul Train and see if any fashion inspiration was taken as well.
Enjoy your summer. Wear sunscreen. Happy Sunday!
Fun Fact: Everytime I hear this song, I think about trailers for 90’s hood movies. After 30 seconds, I expect to hear a voice over say “From Director John Singleton.”
Bonus: Here’s a cover from that one cool band that has a name I can not pronounce: Khruangbin.